Okada Ban: Gov. Sanwo Olu Rolls Out 65 Buses to Abate Trekking

The Lagos State Government has rolled out 65 fleets of buses to abate the suffering of road users since the ban of Okada and Keke napep.

The government made this announcement on 2nd February through its social media page praising tricycle and motorcycle operators for complying with the directives and warned Lagosians to desist from unleashing violence in the State as law enforcement agencies will ensure to act to keep the State peaceful.

The statement reads, “The government of Lagos State praises motorcycle and tricycle operators for complying with the restriction from six LGAs, major highways and bridges. The enforcement of the State Security Council’s order began on Saturday, February 1, 2020. The level of compliance was over 90 %. In fact, some of the ride-hailing companies directed their riders to obey the directive. This is commendable.

The high level of compliance has shown that Lagosians agree with the government on the need to stop the danger that commercial motorcycles and tricycles have become – a big threat to the safety of lives and security of our people. The little discomfort experienced by commuters on some routes due to the absence of motorcycles and tricycles is noted. This will not last as alternatives are being rolled out.

A fleet of 65 buses will join the others on some major routes as from Monday, February 3, 2020: No less than 550 more buses are being expected. Besides, 14 ferries will be commissioned on Tuesday.

This will further open up the waterways, reduce travel time on various routes and provide safe, dependable and comfortable alternatives for commuters. The government is not unaware that enforcing this directive may lead to some job losses. The Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, plans to announce some measures to tackle the likely effects of the order. Besides the programmes of various agencies, such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Office of Civic Engagement, Lagos State Parks and Gardens and others.

The government hereby warns all those who are planning to unleash violence on the state because of the ongoing enforcement to have a change of heart. Lagosians are peace-loving law-abiding people, who will not embrace any disruption of their legal activities by failed politicians hiding under the evil of unwholesome activism. The law enforcement agents have been directed to ensure that nobody takes the law into his hands. The government places a very high premium on law and order in the interest of all Lagosians. It will not fail to act when peace is threatened.”

Recall that the Lagos State Government banned the use of Okada and Keke napep in the State last week to curb the rising crime in the city.

While road users have complained about the suffering and trekking that the common man who does not have a car will undergo in order to get to their workplace, the government maintained its stand and promises to roll out more buses for the people of Lagos.